The new Red Hat Amphitheater is expected to be ready in time for the 2027 concert season, the Downtown Raleigh Alliance announced on Thursday at the “State of Downtown” address.

“The new amphitheater will open in time for the 2027 outdoor concert season and expand the capacity of the venue to over 6,000 seats,” the report read.

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WRAL News has previously reported the concert venue would be finished in time for the 2026 concert season, which runs from April to October. The venue's website does not have any events listed from January 2026 – July 2026 except for holiday ice skating through Jan. 4, 2026.

On Thursday, WRAL News asked Downtown Raleigh Alliance President and CEO Bill King about the reasoning for the delayed opening of the relocated Red Hat Amphitheater.

"The city could give you a better answer," King said. "I'm not sure quite why. I think it's probably the usual construction, permitting, design-type things."

‘State of Downtown’ Raleigh address reveals billions in development investments

The “State of Downtown” address held at Fletcher Auditorium at the Martin Marietta Center for Performing Arts saw more than 500 civic, business and community leaders on Thursday.

Officials said the report highlighted the transformation of downtown Raleigh, including the $8.3 billion in downtown development investments completed since 2015, planned, completed, or still under construction.

The report also released new data showing 21 projects have been completed in downtown Raleigh in just the last two years, a sign that Downtown Raleigh Alliance officials said is “proof the city is a desirable place for investment, growth and business.”

King said the data shows that downtown Raleigh “continues to set the pace as one of the nation’s fastest-growing urban centers.”

“The growth we’re seeing from new residential developments, new businesses, and new investments reflects both confidence in our downtown and the shared vision of a community committed to creating vibrancy, resilience, and revitalization in Downtown Raleigh,” King said.

Additional findings from the report include:

  • 5,970 new residential units added since 2015, more than doubling the downtown residential population. King said more than 4,000 downtown units were built in the last five years.
    • The lowest Class A office space direct vacancy rate among Triangle submarkets at 14.1%, which also outperforms most national peers.
      • 51 new storefront businesses have opened year-to-date through August 1, 2025, a net gain of 23 businesses so far this year.
        • 21.3 million visitors have visited over the past year.